Cricket

South Africa and Afghanistan are set to embark on a historic three-match ODI series in Sharjah from September 18 to 22. This marks the first-ever bilateral series between the two nations, a testament to the growing stature of Afghanistan cricket.The series was not initially part of the Future Tours Programme (FTP), but the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) and Cricket South Africa (CSA) reached an agreement to host the event. CSA Chairman Lawson Naidoo hailed the series as a "significant milestone" in the partnership between the two boards.Afghanistan's recent performances in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 and ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 have earned them widespread recognition as a competitive all-round team. Naidoo expressed excitement about facing such a formidable opponent.ACB Chairman Mirwais Ashraf echoed Naidoo's sentiments, stating that the series would provide Afghanistan with an opportunity to host and play against a top-ranked team like South Africa. He expressed hope for regular future encounters between the two nations.Before heading to the UAE, South Africa will face West Indies in a two-Test and three-T20I series in the Caribbean starting August 7. For Afghanistan, the South Africa series comes on the heels of their maiden Test against New Zealand in Greater Noida, India, scheduled for September 9 to 13.The South Africa-Afghanistan ODI series will provide both teams with valuable preparation ahead of their respective international commitments. South Africa will face Ireland in a two-T20I and three-ODI series in Abu Dhabi starting September 27, while Afghanistan will participate in the Asia Cup 2024 in September.

Hayley Matthews, the captain of the West Indies Women's cricket team, acknowledges the team's recent decline but remains determined to bridge the gap with the world's top teams. Despite being ranked sixth in the T20 format, Matthews believes that the team is on the right track, citing the efforts of Cricket West Indies (CWI) to invest in grassroots development programs.Matthews emphasizes the importance of fostering a love for the game, recalling her own childhood experiences on cricket fields. She has taken over the captaincy from Stafanie Taylor, who led the team to the T20 World Cup title in 2016. Since then, West Indies has faced challenges in building depth due to limited resources.However, CWI has taken steps to address these issues, increasing the number of women on retainer contracts, introducing the Women's Rising Stars Under-19s program, and launching the West Indies Women's Academy. The senior team's budget has also been increased, allowing for improved travel arrangements.While these initiatives will take time to bear fruit, Matthews is committed to inspiring her team both on and off the field. She has been a standout performer for West Indies in recent months, scoring centuries and taking wickets in series against Australia, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.Matthews draws inspiration from Taylor's leadership style, emphasizing the importance of setting an example and creating a positive team culture. She acknowledges that West Indies is an underdog at the upcoming T20 World Cup in Bangladesh but believes that the team can surprise opponents with strong individual performances.The return of Deandra Dottin, who reversed her international retirement last week, could further boost West Indies' chances. Matthews remains cautious about commenting on Dottin's potential selection for the World Cup but acknowledges her ability to turn matches single-handedly.

Rinku Singh Bags 'Fielder of the Series' Award as India Triumphs in T20I Series Against Sri LankaIndia's resounding 3-0 victory against Sri Lanka in the T20I series marked a promising start for Gautam Gambhir's tenure as head coach. The series triumph was sealed with an exhilarating display in the final match on Tuesday.Among the standout performers was Rinku Singh, who was honored with the 'Fielder of the Series' award for his exceptional fielding efforts throughout the series. His crucial catches in the decisive third T20I played a significant role in India's dominant performance.The BCCI shared a video on their official Twitter handle, showcasing the medal ceremony that takes place in the dressing room following each game. During the post-match ceremony, India head coach T Dilip revealed the nominees for the 'Fielder of the Series' award, which included Ravi Bishnoi, Rinku Singh, and Riyan Parag. Ryan ten Doeschate, the assistant coach, ultimately presented the 'Fielder of the Series' medal to Rinku Singh, acknowledging his remarkable fielding efforts.Washington Sundar was recognized as the Player of the Match for his performance in the final game, while Suryakumar Yadav was awarded the Player of the Series title for his outstanding contributions across the matches.The series victory not only showcased the impressive skills of the Indian players but also marked a promising start to Gambhir's tenure as the head coach. The team's ability to adapt to different conditions and execute their plans effectively bodes well for their future prospects.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi is poised to become the next President of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) later this year, as per the organization's rotation policy. The matter was discussed at a recent ACC meeting, with Naqvi emerging as the frontrunner for the position."When the ACC meets later this year, it will confirm that Naqvi will be the next president for a two-year term," a source revealed.Naqvi's appointment will follow the tenure of BCCI Secretary Jay Shah, who has held the ACC presidency for three consecutive terms. Shah received a one-year extension in January this year.The ACC has recently awarded the hosting rights for the 2025 Asia Cup to India, which will be played in the T20 format. The 2027 edition will be held in Bangladesh in the ODI format.This development sets up two major events in 2025: the Champions Trophy in Pakistan in February-March, followed by the Asia Cup. The proximity of these events has reignited discussions and speculations about whether India will travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy or whether Pakistan will travel to India for the Asia Cup.Pakistan last toured India for the 2011 ODI World Cup and the 2016 T20 World Cup. India, on the other hand, has not visited Pakistan since the 2008 Asia Cup.The potential for political tensions to overshadow these events remains a concern. However, the ACC's decision to award the hosting rights to both countries suggests a desire to promote cricket diplomacy and foster goodwill between the two nations.

India has been awarded the hosting rights for the 2025 Men's Asia Cup cricket tournament in the T20 format, serving as a precursor to the T20 World Cup scheduled in the country in 2026. The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) announced this decision in its Invitation for Expression of Interest (IEOI).The Asia Cup has traditionally been used as a dress rehearsal for the global event and is played in the same format as the World Cup. The 2023 edition, hosted by the Pakistan Cricket Board, was held in a 'Hybrid Model' due to India's refusal to travel to Pakistan. Instead, India played its matches in Sri Lanka.The 2027 Asia Cup will be held in Bangladesh in the ODI format, aligning with the 50-over World Cup scheduled in South Africa that year. Both the T20 Asia Cup in India and the 50-over continental event in Bangladesh in 2027 will comprise 13 games each, with 26 matches allocated in the said period.The ACC's IEOI statement defines the "Men's Asia Cup Tournament" as a biennial senior men's cricket tournament organized and administered by the ACC involving designated Members. It includes participation from Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and one Non-Test playing Member of ACC selected through qualifying events.

In a thrilling conclusion to the three-match T20I series, India secured a 3-0 sweep over Sri Lanka in Pallekele on Tuesday. Skipper Suryakumar Yadav and Rinku Singh emerged as unlikely heroes with the ball, orchestrating a remarkable collapse that handed India the victory.Chasing a modest target of 138, Sri Lanka appeared in control at 110 for 1 in the 15th over. However, Suryakumar and Rinku turned the tide with two game-changing overs. Suryakumar, bowling the 20th over, defended six runs successfully by taking two wickets in his first two balls. Rinku, in a pressure-filled 19th over, bagged two crucial wickets, including that of Kusal Perera, when Sri Lanka needed just nine runs from 12 balls.The two incredible overs from Rinku and Suryakumar stopped the Lankans on 137, taking the game into the Super Over. Washington Sundar then shone in the Super Over, giving away only two runs and taking two wickets. Suryakumar sealed the win with a sweeping shot on the first ball he faced in the Super Over.Suryakumar's strategic move of introducing Rinku in the 19th over proved decisive. Rinku's dismissal of Perera, who had scored 46 runs, came just when Sri Lanka appeared to have the match secured.Earlier, India had posted 137 for 9, with Shubman Gill (39 off 37 balls) and Riyan Parag (26 off 18 balls) stitching a crucial 54-run partnership for the sixth wicket. Sri Lankan spinners effectively restrained the Indian batters on a pitch offering significant turn and variable bounce.Despite the challenges, Gill adjusted his play style, curbing his natural attacking instincts, and Parag showcased his potential with explosive shots. However, both fell attempting glory shots.Sri Lanka, meanwhile, missed the services of their premier pacer Matheesha Pathirana due to a shoulder injury. Skipper Charith Asalanka effectively used their four-pronged spin attack, maintaining pressure on Indian batsmen and taking wickets at regular intervals.

Cameron Bancroft's masterful century and a disciplined bowling performance propelled Gloucestershire to a convincing 37-run victory over Surrey in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup.Bancroft's 100 from 109 deliveries laid the foundation for Gloucestershire's imposing total of 301. Miles Hammond contributed a brisk 51, while skipper Jack Taylor's explosive 44, featuring five sixes, provided late impetus.Surrey's chase was anchored by Ryan Patel's defiant 87 and Josh Blake's 50, but they fell short of the target, mustering only 264. Conor McKerr impressed with List A best figures of 4-32, while Cameron Steel claimed 4-61.Gloucestershire's bowlers maintained consistent pressure throughout Surrey's innings. Matt Taylor's 4-44 and Ajeet Singh Dale's 2-49 proved crucial in restricting the hosts.Surrey's top order struggled against Taylor's new ball burst, with Dom Sibley and Ben Geddes dismissed cheaply. Patel and Ben Foakes rallied with an 89-run partnership, but Singh Dale and Taylor broke the stand.Blake and McKerr threatened with an 85-run seventh-wicket partnership, but Taylor's sharp lifter ended McKerr's resistance. Singh Dale then removed Foakes and Patel, leaving Surrey on the brink of defeat.Blake and McKerr's late resistance delayed Gloucestershire's victory, but Dom Goodman's dismissal of Blake sealed the deal.Bancroft's century anchored Gloucestershire's innings, while Hammond's half-century provided early momentum. Taylor's late cameo gave the visitors a significant boost.Surrey's bowlers, led by McKerr and Steel, kept Gloucestershire in check for much of the innings. However, Taylor's aggressive batting and Bancroft's steady accumulation proved too much for the hosts.

Sri Lanka, led by Charith Asalanka, chose to bowl first in the third and final T20I against India in Pallekele. The match, delayed by rain and a wet outfield, was played on a fresh pitch expected to favor spinners.Sri Lanka, seeking to avoid a series whitewash, made one change, introducing debutant Chamindu Wickramasinghe in place of Dasun Shanaka. India, on the other hand, made four changes to ensure all squad members received playing time. Shubman Gill, Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, and Khaleel Ahmed made their series debuts, replacing Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, and Arshdeep Singh.The Indian batting lineup featured Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Sanju Samson (wicket-keeper), Riyan Parag, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohammed Siraj, and Khaleel Ahmed.Sri Lanka's batting order consisted of Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wicket-keeper), Kusal Perera, Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka (captain), Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Wanindu Hasaranga, Ramesh Mendis, Maheesh Theekshana, Asitha Fernando, and Matheesha Pathirana.With the match underway, both teams aimed to establish a strong start and secure a series victory or avoid a clean sweep. The outcome of the match will determine the overall result of the T20I series between India and Sri Lanka.

After being overlooked for the T20I captaincy, former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri has advised star all-rounder Hardik Pandya to prioritize playing time and draw inspiration from his ICC T20 World Cup heroics to maintain peak fitness.Pandya, who served as Rohit Sharma's deputy during India's triumphant T20 World Cup campaign, was considered a frontrunner to succeed Rohit as captain. However, he was named only as a player for the ongoing Sri Lanka tour, with Suryakumar Yadav appointed as T20I captain and Shubman Gill as vice-captain.Shastri attributed Pandya's fitness concerns as the primary reason for his exclusion from the captaincy. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar emphasized the need for a consistently available player, which tipped the scales against Pandya.In an interview with The ICC Review, Shastri urged Pandya to play as much as possible to regain match fitness. He advised Pandya to participate in all available T20I matches and consider playing in one-day games if he feels fit enough.However, Shastri stressed the importance of bowling consistently for Pandya to be considered for one-day cricket. He noted that a player who can only bowl three overs in a one-day game would disrupt the team's balance.Pandya has a history of major injuries dating back to 2018, including a stress fracture and back surgery. He also sustained an ankle injury during the Cricket World Cup 2023.Despite these setbacks, Pandya showcased his exceptional talent in the T20 World Cup, scoring crucial runs and taking important wickets. He played a pivotal role in India's victory in the final, taking the wickets of Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller in the last over.Shastri believes that Pandya's recent performances should motivate him to regain full fitness. He emphasized that Pandya understands his body better than anyone and should be inspired by his World Cup heroics to prioritize his fitness.